A Love Affair with M/V Doulos and Books

February 13, 2007 – This was a very memorable day for me. It was the day wherein we went to an enormous ship, the M/V Doulos. The crew in this ship were mixed-nationalities. Some were Americans, Koreans, Africans, and there were even Filipinos.

The first and second years were to go to M/V Doulos while the third years and the fourth years will have their trip the next day. We were required to wear our intrams shirt.

Mme. Gallo told us that we were supposed to ride in a Kaoshiung bus. Unfortunately, it was occupied by another school and that there were no vacant buses to ride on. So what Mme. Gallo did was to call for jeepneys to bring and fetch us to M/V Doulos. We were then asked to pay P15 to our class treasurer (that’s me…) including the teachers.

I was with Windel because Yvon, my friend, was in the other jeepney. I really hate riding in our jeepney for the reason that it was so, so hot. We were like burned in an oven. In addition, my classmates were very noisy as if they own the jeepney. I can see that the driver were somehow irritated and disturbed by their clatters. I have no choice but to wait until we arrive at the ship.

At last, we finally reached our destination. Windel and I immediately went to Yvon. The three of us were together in going inside the ship. We were even scolded by an officer because we broke the rules. Instead of lining up, we took a shortcut so that we will be the first one to reach the vessel. I remember what he said to us, “Sasampalin ko kayo…” I was shocked to hear those words from his mouth because I was not expecting a very strict person would be welcoming us.

When we reached the ship, I was not that excited because it was my second visit there. When we reached our very destination, we were just flipping the pages of the books with colorful pictures. Moreover, I don’t have enough money to buy a book because I forgot to ask an extra allowance from my parents.

It was so boring inside so we went to the ice-cream station. I brought a piece and while we were exploring the ship, we found another book location. There, the books were cheaper compared to the first one we went. Yvon had P50 so she bought books. She even bought me one.

We then went to the other part of the ship, which I think was the conference hall. The UP were not the only students who were present there. There was also another school ( I forgot the name… sorry!).

The proctor was a very handsome guy. Duhhh, who would argue with me since I’m just telling the truth. Those who would disagree are blind. Anyway, the discussion started with a brief introduction and later on with some games. Unfortunately, UP did not won in the first round. But in the second competition, Reiner, UP’s representative, got the place. He was able to captivate the girls in the other school because of his looks and promptness. There were still so many activities that happened during the conference.

After the forum, we rode on our jeepney back to school. The chit-chats became even more louder than ever. It was like that my eardrums would be damaged. We reached UP and the day ended full of happiness and annoyance. You know na why…?!

This is one of my favorite songs in the world. If you want to listen to this song, just click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E65DpjfhIA4

The Journey
by: Lea Salonga

Half the world is sleeping

Half the world's awake

Half can hear their hearts beat

Half just hear them break

I am but a traveler

In most every way

Ask me what you want to know



*Chorus*

What a journey it has been

And the end is not in sight

But the stars are out tonight

And they're bound to guide my way

When they're shining on my life

I can see a better day

I won't let the darkness in

What a journey it has been



I have been to sorrow

I have been to bliss

Where I'll be tomorrow I can only guess

Through the darkest desert

Through the deepest snow

Forward, always forward I go



*Chorus*

What a journey it has been

And the end is not in sight

But the stars are out tonight

And they're bound to guide my way

When they're shining on my life

I can see a better day

I won't let the darkness in

What a journey it has been



Forward always forward

Onward always up

Catching every drop of hope

In my empty cup



*Chorus*

What a journey it has been

And the end is not in sight

But the stars are out tonight

And they're bound to guide my way

When they're shining on my life

I can see a better day

I won't let the darkness in

What a journey it has been


What a journey it has been

Love: A Confusing Word

What is in your mind when you hear the word love? Is it something that only a man and a woman can be involved? Or is it something which only involves about sexual intercourse? Of course not! Every people in this world need love even if you’re young or old, thin or fat, rich or poor. But if I ask you, do you really know the real meaning of love? How can you define it? For me, my answer would be yes, no and maybe.

When I was a little girl, my teacher asked me to describe what love is. I was silent for a short period of time thinking what would be the possible and best answer for that question. After a while, my reply to her was, “Love is kind; Love is sharing; Love is the world; Love is God.” I really don’t know how it came to my mind since I was only trying to answer the question.

Until now, it still bothers me about the true meaning of love. How come I have uttered those words?

In my opinion, I would say that I really don’t know what love is. Somehow, I can say that love is another name standing for everything in this world. Things in this world are created out of love. For example, if you want to achieve your goal, you must love what you are doing in order to make the best or be the best that you can be. Without love, our place would be ruined and everything will turn awkward and poor. There will be chaos everywhere. Murders, adultery, stealing, and so much more are some problems people are facing nowadays. Because of jealousy, pride, lust, greed, wrath, etc. people learned to commit sins. I know that it is hard to stop these wrong acts because humans by nature are sinners.

Love can be the source of evil things. Like for example, when a boy is madly in love with a girl. Then suddenly, the girl asks her boyfriend to kill a person who she thinks can ruin their life. For love’s sake, the boy agreed and committed a sin. Just think of it!

In the earlier paragraph, I have stated there that maybe I know what love is. I don’t know if having a crush on someone is love. My friends would say that it is the beginning of my love life. While my parents said that, it is the beginning of the devastation of my studies and life. I would just smile because I know that I am only up to that and that’s it. This is my adolescence life and having a crush on someone is part of it. Having a crush is just admiring a person’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual life and is therefore normal to everyone. But to be very serious about this case can lead to further relationship. However, in my situation, I know how to control myself because I did not come to school to find a boy who can satisfy me but rather be here to follow the path of my dreams.

Love is the word, which everybody is confused with. If we only help one another, I know that this world can turn into a peaceful and happy place to live in. Nevertheless, remember to analyze and reflect well the condition so that love can be used in the proper manner.